5 years post op and have huge REGRET!

[escape_pinacolada 21]

8 hours ago, mattk53 said:

I didn't think you could live without a Pancreas?

Sorry I mean to say Gall bladder.

[escape_pinacolada 21]

17 hours ago, escape_pinacolada said:

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

I meant to say I had my Gall Bladder (not Pancreas).

[mattk53 124]

12 minutes ago, escape_pinacolada said:

I meant to say I had my Gall Bladder (not Pancreas).

That makes more sense.

[Guest]

Honestly, I joined this forum for support and encouragement, and these kinds of posts are incredibly discouraging, negative and anxiety-inducing. Jesus.

[Guest]

8 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

horror stories about RNY are about the same as with VSG - i.e., they're very rare with both surgeries. It sounds like they're more common than they actually are because people are more apt to post about them - to get support or advice - than they are if their surgery went off without a hitch. People don't usually broadcast that they had a surgery that went great with no issues - but they do if they've had serious complications. Major complications with either surgery are very rare.

Thanks for posting this.

[mi75 1,241]

That's really unfortunate. I'm 6 years post VSG, also had a fundoplication and have had wonderful results with my overall outcomes. However I had very closely monitored follow ups with my surgical/nutritionist/psych team and I think that was important for me. I hope you find a solution.

[escape_pinacolada 21]

I'm sorry you didn't find my post helpful, but if there were more posts like this I wouldn't be in the spot I am in. If you don't want to hear negative comments then looking at a topic called REGRETS.

I have had several responses that show I am the exception not the rule, but I deserve to be able to express myself as well.

I wish you luck and good health.

[mil_unloaded 80]

I feel as though your post is important as it shows more about the risks that we are taking going down this route. While most complications are rare, it’s important to know about some beforehand, so you know what may (or may not!) happen to you. I feel I’d rather be braced for the rare possibility that I have a complication (or several in your case), than go into it completely blind. At least you could know more about how severe of a complication it could be, or not be.

I hope that you, escape_pinacolada, find your relief soon, and that this will be just a blip on the radar of a future life of healing and recovery. Best wishes.

[BriarRose 440]

I was sure your pancreas was not removed - we humans are unable to live without one. I think you might want to get a full GI work up and have a doctor familiar with bariatric surgery review the findings. You should nor suffer year after year from issues related to a surgical procedure. No matter if it was elective or not. I would suggest looking up surgeons on this website that have dealt with problems post bariatric surgery. I know of a couple in the Los Angeles area who do so. It must be hard to deal with physically and emotionally

[ebbii0927 42]

Hello,
I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.
This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.
I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.
So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.
Heather

If you had GERD before surgery, you should have not been recommended for sleeve. GERD is a disqualifying element for sleeve from my doctor. It sounds like your doctor may have not chosen the best procedure for your needs

Eddy Blaine Brown II

[mattk53 124]

32 minutes ago, BriarRose said:

I was sure your pancreas was not removed - we humans are unable to live without one.

I said the same thing earlier and they corrected themselves. It was the gall bladder.

[BriarRose 440]

41 minutes ago, mattk53 said:

I said the same thing earlier and they corrected themselves. It was the gall bladder.

Must have missed reading that. I was taking a break from gardening..... speed reading ....

[ms.sss 15,853]

6 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

I'm not sure if you had the Fundoplication yet but if not, ask your surgeon if the RNY conversion with hernia repair will provide a better long term outcome with fewer surgeries down the line.

2nd and 3rd opinions are also an option.

Good Luck

+1

1 hour ago, ebbii0927 said:

Eddy Blaine Brown II

Aside: You have the Best Name Ever.

[smg 471]

23 hours ago, escape_pinacolada said:

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

Really sorry to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's important for people considering any surgery to see and hear as many experiences as they can. I am thankful that I'm going on 5-years post-op VSG and have hit my weight goal and am successfully maintaining it, but I realize that's not everyone's story. For me, it's been 100% life-changing, from top to bottom. It sounds as though this experience has taken its toll on you both physically and mentally. I empathize with you sincerely.

Are you still seeing the same physician or have you started seeing different professionals? If you're not happy with and not getting the results you need from the physician who performed the surgery, maybe you can find another who can locate and diagnose the issue accurately, and hopefully get things turned around for you. I'm guessing your RNY is being evaluated by another medical professional (I hope). It doesn't sound like there's much confidence in the original surgeon.

Regardless of what you decide moving forward, I truly hope you find the help that you need and get things turned around for the better!

[Hop_Scotch 1,634]

5 hours ago, Keatsy said:

Honestly, I joined this forum for support and encouragement, and these kinds of posts are incredibly discouraging, negative and anxiety-inducing. Jesus.

Unfortunately not every surgery ends all rosy, there are some surgery complications and some people do have issues in the medium to long term. If you don't want to see anything that you perceive to be discouraging, negative and anxiety inducing you will need to give a lot of threads a miss or not be on social media at all.

The OP came for support and encouragement too and should be able to tell there story.